Council set to give approve for controversial wind farm

Councillors are set to make a final decision today whether to push ahead with the scheme, which would see five 417ft turbines built in the village of Cliff, near Selby.

Planners have recommended the development at Cleek Hall, in Turnham Lane, for approval in line with its renewable energy benefits - a move which has sparked outrage amongst residents and campaigners.

Three parish councils have objected to the proposals, including Barlow, which has raised concerns over the major impact it would have on the village. It said the “huge” development would be too close to homes and would harm the appearance of the village, as well as cause problems with noise.

The Barlow Wind Farm Action Group has handed in a 201-signature petition to Selby Council objecting to the scheme and the authority has received 140 letters of opposition from residents. Robin Hood Airport, near Doncaster, and Burn Gliding Club have also raised objections.

The Conservative MP for Selby and Ainsty, Nigel Adams said it would be a “disaster” if the wind farm was given approval, and added: “They are ineffective and a waste of taxpayers’ money.

“They are only ever built because of the large subsidy that developers receive but can cause detrimental impact on the local environment and these industrial turbines in a setting such as Cleek Hall will create a loss of amenity for the many local residents, in particular the village of Barlow. I very much hope the elected councillors who make up the planning committee turn down this application.”

The scheme, which developers Hallam Land Management say will provide a boost for the local economy, is one in a series of developments that have been earmarked across the Selby district and into North Lincolnshire.

It is understood that the locations have been chosen as they give easy access to tap into the National Grid due to the close proximity of three major power stations at Drax, Ferrybridge and Eggborough, which have seen the area dubbed Megawatt Valley.

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